Causes of the Lord's wrath against Scotland : manifested in his sad late dispensations. Whereunto is added a paper, particularly holding forth the sin

SCO %LA N T>,

Manifcfted in his fad late Dilpenfa-
„ liens.

r . ... \ ->

Whereuxtn it added a PAPER, particularly fold¬
ing forth the S ins of the MINISTRY.

If*. I. 2, 3, 4, 5 Hear, O Heaven*, and give Ear ,0 Eartfj for
the Lord hath fpoken. I have ncurifbed and brought up Cb,U
dren. and they fovt rtb tiled ogainfl me; the Ox hnov.Cn
hi* Owner, and the Aft his Majlers Crib , but Ifrod doth not
*•' know, my People doth not coujider, See-
Jtr.. 23 14 / have ften alfo in the Projh tr of ^truf/km on
horrible Thing: they commit Adultery «nd walk tn fit* ;
t bey ftr'pgtksfi alfo the Hand* of ivil Doer*, that none doth
return from his Wickelneft, they are all of them unto me at
So Jam and the h. habitant* thereof as Gomorrah.

Frmted in tne Year, 1732.

iJl

TO THE

RI.GHT REVEREND,

‘ The Commiffion of the

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

/

My vtryRcvcrcnd and dear Brethren,

A Lthough the Lord’s Hand . detaineth me from attend-
Jl\ ing your Meetings, yet as long as I can write qi
fpcak, I daienot be filent, nor conceal my Thoughts of
anyfinfuland dangerous Courfe in the publick Proceed¬
ings. Having therefore heard of fome Motions and Be¬
ginnings of Complyance with thofe wrho have been fo
deepij engaged in a War deflru&ive to Religion, and the
Liberties of the Kingdoms; I cannot but difeharge my
Gonfcience in giving a Teftimony againft all fuch Com¬
plyance. I know, and am perfwaded, that all the faith¬
ful Witneffcs that gave Teftimony to the Thefts, that the
late Engagement was contrary and deftruftive to the Co¬
venant, will alfogive Teftimony to the Appendix, That
Complyance with any who, have been aftive in that En¬
gagement is moft ftnl'ul and unlawful. 1 am not able to
exprefsall the Evils of that Complyance, they are fo ma¬
ny,- Sure I am, it were a hardening of the malignant Par¬
ty, a wounding of the Hearts of the godly an infinite
wronging of thofe wrho from their AfTehti on to the Cove-

A s nant

C 4 3

nant and Caufc of G^d, nave taken their Life in tl
Hand ; A great Scandal to our Brethren of England , w!
as they have been ftrengthened and encouraged by
hearing of the Zeal and Integrity of the well-affe&ed in
this Kingdom, and how they oppofed the late Engage¬
ment: So they would be as much fcandalized to hear of
a Complyance with Malignants now. Yea, all that hear
of it might jufiiy fiand amazed at us, and look on us as
a People infatuated, that can take in ourBofom the fiery
Ses pents that have filing us fo fore. * '

But ab jve all, that which would heighten this Sin, even
to the Heavens, is this, That it were not only an horrible
Backsliding, but a Backfliding into that very Sin which
was fpeciull y pointed at, and punifhed by the Pievaiency
of the malignant Patty : God jufily making them thorns
and fcoargts who were taken in as Friends, without any
real Evidence, or Fruits of Repentance. Alas! fhall we
fplit tv, /ice upon the feme Rock, yea, run upbn it, when
GFd hath let a Beacon on it' Shall we be fo demented, as
to fall back into the fame Sin, which was engraven with
great Letters in our late Judgment-? Yea, I may fay, fhall
we thus out-face and out-dare the Almighty by protefi-
iog his and our Enemies, when he is perfecting them,
by making Peace and Friendfhip with them when the
Anger of the Lord is burning againfi them, by fetting
them on their Feet, when God hath cafi them down? OhJ
(hall neither judgments nor Deliverances make ns wife?
I muft nere apply to our pi efent Condition, the Words of
Ezra, And after all this is come upon us for our evil Dted/y
ottd for cur great Trefpafs , feeing that thou our God haft pu-
nijhtd us left than our Iniquities defsr've , and haft given
us fuch Deliverance, as this: . Should rot again h reals thy idem-
ffisndments and joyn in Affinity with the People of thefe Abo¬
minations ? Would ft thou not he angry with us , i till thou haft
confumsd us, fo that there fhould it no remnant , nor efc oping ?
O happy Scotland if thou canft now improve aright, and
not abufe this golden Opportunity, but if thou wilt help
the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord, Wrath
upon Wrath, and Woe upon Woe fhall be upon thee from
the Lord. ■ ^ d ,iv-f . v

This ' Teftimony of a dying Man, ( who expeHs to
1 j y ; fiand

♦

^ c 5

"(fhortly before the Tribunal of Chrift) I leave with
my Reverend Brethren, being confident of yoti thro*
le Lord, that ye will be no other Wife minded but that as
Men of God, moved with the Zeal of God, you will free¬
ly difeharge your Confciences againfl every Thing vphich
you fee lifting up jtfelf againft the Kingdom of the Lord
lefus ; This fhail be your Peace and Comfort in your
fattei Eftd • blow the God of all Grace eftabiilh you, and
direct you, and preferve you all Blamelefs to the End,
and bring others oat of the Snare that hanker after that
Complyance* Soprayeth,

/

fclritaldie, September

' ' 8. 1648*

Your moll affe&ionale Brother
to ferve you in what I can
to my lafb

GEORGE

GILLESPIE

The

iO

[ 6 ]

The Tdhtnony of Mr. George Gil-
Irjpie againtt Aflbciation and Com-
piyance with malignant Enemies
of the Truth and Godlinefs : Writ¬
ten two Days before his Death.

QEing now in all Appearance the Time of my Diffolu-
tion is very near, although 1 have in my latter Wifi de¬
clared my mind of pubhck Affairs, yet I have thought
good to add this further Tcftimony, That 1 eficcm the ma¬
lignant Party in thcle Kingdoms, the feed of the Serpent,
Enemies to Piety, and Presbyterial Government, ( pretend
what they will to the contrary j a Generation that have not
let God befoie them. With the Malignants are to be joyn-
cd the profane and fcandalous, from all which, as alfo
from Herefies and Errors, the Lord 1 truff is about to
purge his Churches. 1 have often comforted my felt ( and
ftill do with the Hopes of the Lord’s purging this pol¬
luted Land, furely the Lord hath begun, and will carry
on that great Work of Mercy, and will purge out the
Rebels: 1 know their will be always a Mixture ot Hypo¬
crites, but that cannot excufe the conniving at grofs and
(candalous dinners. This purging Work which the Lord
is about, very many have diic&ly oppoled and faid by
their Deeds, We will not be purged nor refined, but we
will be jdyning and mixing our felves with thele whom
the Miniffers pr each againft as malignant Enemies to God
andhisCaufe. But let him that is filthy, be filthy ftill,
aad let Wifdom be juftified of her Children. 1 recom¬
mend to them that fear God, fadly and ferjoufty to confi-
der that the holy Scripture doth plainly hold forth, i.
That the piping of the Enemies of iod, or jcyning and
mingling with wicked Men, is a Sin highly difp leafing.

2. That

L .7 . J

That this Sin hath ordinarily enfnared God’s People
into diverfe other Sins. 3. Th# it hath been puniflied of
God with grievous Judgments. 4. That utter Definiti¬
on is to be feared, when a People after great Mercies and
Judgments relapfe into this Sin, Ezra 9. 13, 14.

Upon theieand the like Grounds for my own Exone¬
ration, that fone effary a Truth want not the Teftimony
of a dying Witnefs of thrift, alfo the unworthieft among
many Thoufands: And that Light may be held forth,
and Warning given, I cannot be fi lent at this lime; but
fpeak by my Pen when 1 cannot by my Tongue, yea,
now alfo by the Pen of another, when I cannot by my
own, fe iouily and in the Name of Jefus Chrifi, exhort¬
ing and obtening all that fear God and make Confcience
of their Ways, to be very tender and circurafpeft. to
watch and pray that they be not enfnared in that great
dangerous Sin of Conjunction or Complyance with malig¬
nant or profane Enenvc of the Truth, under whatfoever
prudential Confederation* it may be vernifhed over, which
if Men vill do. and trull God in his own Way, they (hall
not >alynoi repent it. but to their greater Joy and Peace
of God’s People, they Ihall fee his Work go on and pro-
fper glorioufly. In Witnefs of the Premiffes, I have fub-
fcribed the lame with my Hand at Kirkcaldy , December 15.
1648. Before thefe Witneffes, M. F. Carmichael Minifier
at Marking f. and Mr. Alexander Moncritf Minifier at
Skenit.

GEORGE GILLESPIE .

F. C. Witnefs.

A. M i Witoefs.

Fol-

s

fS.

C 9 ]

Follower!! that Part of Mr. Gillefpie his Let* i
ter- Will, unto which the former Teliimony ?
relateth.

•S' . 4 .v |

BEcing through much Weaknefs and Skknefs in Ex- j
peftation of my laft Change,! have thought good by
this my Better-Wili under my Hand to declare firlt of all j
that the Expectation of Death which appeareth not to be jl
far off, doth not (hake me from the Faith, and Truth cljl
Chrift which 3 have profeffed and preached ; neither do |
1 doubt, but this fo much oppofed Covenant and Reforma- 1
tion of the three Kingdoms is of God, and will have a hap-? t
py Conclution. It hath pleafed God who choofeth the I
foolifll Things of this World to confound the Wife, and '
the Things that are not to confound the Things that are to
imploy me (the unfitted and unworthieft among many ,
thoufands) in the advancing and promoting of that glori- i
ous Work; and now 1 repent no Fjorwardnefs or Zeal I
that ever I had therein, and date promt fe to as many as will i
befaithful and zealous in the Caufe of God, it fhaU be no I
Grief of Heart to them afterward, but Matter of Joy and I1
Peace , as this Day i find it, through God’s Mercy palling j:
by mv many and great Infirmi'ies, and approving my poor
Endeavours in his Jaufe. But if there be a falling back
to the Sin of Comply ance with malignant ungodly Men,
then 1 look for the breaking out ol the Wrath of the Lord
till there be no Remedy. O that there were fuch a Spirit
at leaf! in fuch of our Nobility as ftand for the Truth that
they may take more of God’s Counfel, and lean left to
their own Reafon and Undenianding. As from Dangers
on the .’other hand from Sectaries, 1 have been and am of
the Opinion that they are to be prevented and avoided by
all lawful Means; but that the Dangers from Malignant*
are ceareft and greatef! in this Kingdom.

Kirlcaldre, September j, 1648# Sfrnr

• . . .

( p ) i W-*

* 'y“»L ■ j : . ■ : * . ,v

‘ ' , . -«/>•>■ *' ' /■

General Heads of the Caufe< why the Lord
' contends with the Land, agreed upon (after ft ek¬
ing of the Lord) hy the Cnmmiffion of the fie -
neral Affemhly r 6 50, with the H. vice of dnrrs
Alin’fiers from federal. ‘Parts of the Kingdom,
met at Edinburgh October 1651 fo far as for
the prefent they co Id attain Light therein, tikich
they offer and advife to he made life of by cil
the Lord's People in the Land, leaving Place to
add ’ as the Lord floall make further Idifcoveries
htreader of the Gultinejs of the Land , and in •,
tending mote fully and particularly to edarge
i hs Paper .

V •• • . \

I. Article • - . , :

THE grofs Atheifrn and Ignorance of Gorf.

and of his Word and Works, that is in sl
great Part of the Inhabitants of the Land,
which is fuch, that neither Law nor Gof-
pel, ,por the moll: common and ncceffary
'oints of Truth are underflood or known by many
rhoufands., ...... .... ...

.2, Art. Horrible Loofnefs and Prophanity of Convert
aiton in all forts, aeainft the Commandments, both’ of the
irft and fecond Table, which hath fo abounded and cn~
;reafcd, that fcarce hath any of the Nations exceeded us
herein, , .... ■ ,i( ; ;. \ . . . ’1. -t /■';

f, 3. Art. .The defjpiHng and flighting of Jefus^Chriii
ered i» .he Cjcfpgi (which vre^lookoa as live chief ahdL-

.f 10 )

mother Sin of this Nation ) and the not valuing and improv-^
ing the Gofpcl and precious Ordinances of Ciirift, unto
the eftablifhing and building up of our felves in the live¬
ly Faith o£ Chi iff and Power of Godlinefs, but feither ne¬
glecting and defpifing thefe Things altogether, or elfe
reding upon, and idolizing outward and bare Forms,
without liudying to know in our felves, or to promove
in others the Kingdom of God, which is Righteoulnefs and
Peace, and joy in the Holy Ghoft: Whereby it hath come
to pafs, that Perfons not rightly qualified, have been ad¬
mitted unto, and continued in the Work of the Miniflry
and Elderfilips, and that publick Repentance and Kirk-
cenfurcs have been grofly flighted, aRd the Sacrament of
the Lord’s Supper fearfully polluted by the promifeuous
admitting of many ignorant and fcandalous Perfons there¬
to, and many wilfully ignorant, and openly and continu- ,
edly prophane, have been keeped in the Fcllowlliip of
this Kirk, contrary to the Word of God, and Confutations
of this Kirk, and that many other fad and fearful Confe-
qucnces have followed unto the prophaning of all the
Ordinances of God, and rendering them for the moll part
barren and fruitlefs to us.

4. Art. Not only thcExercife of Godlinefs in Families
much flighted, great Men being unwilling and afhamed
to call on the Name of the Lord in their Family (which
Guilt js. exceedingly heightned by the continuing of many
of thefe in the fame after folemn publick confefiing thereof,
and engaging to the contrary Duty in the Year 1648 ) and
others much neglecting the fame ; But alfo the loathing and
hating of the Power aad Life of Religion and Godlinefs,
and bearing down fucb as make Confidence thereof, or aim
at any Perfection therein, which hath come to fuch an
Height, thatthegodly are every where reproached, revil¬
ed, oppreffed and perfected throughout the Land by
fun dry of all Ranks . Yea, by fundry Magifiraies and
Minifters ; and the ungodly and prophane countenanced,
encouraged and imployed,

5. Art. Thebafe Love of the WoTld, and Covetonfrefs
which hath made no; only the Body of the People, bn

more to -mint! thri£._own Things, tna.

/ (. H )

hlngs of Jefus Chrift; and many Mafiers, Rulers,
iftratcs, Officers and Soldiers in Armies, exceeding-
abdfe their Power unto the exercifing of intolerable
pprellion of all kinds on the Poor, to the grinding of
heir Faces, and making their Lives bitter to them : Which
Fountain of Covctaufncfs did alfo produce the great Info-
lencies and Opprefiions in our Armies in England and Ire¬
land, and the fearful Perjuries in the Land in the Matter of
Valuation and Excifc. JX . (7) Uf J f ( ,

6. Art. T he abufing and proftmiting'dhe publick Faith
of the Kingdom in the Way of borrowing of Money and
otherwife; unto the dilhonouring of God, mocking of
Men, and reproach of the Nation.

7. Art. In purfuing of neceffary Duties of renewing
the National Covenant, and entering into and renewing
the folemn League and Covenant, the Way of many Mens
taking thefe Covenants was without the Knowledge of the
neceffary Things contained therein, and without Reality
and Sincerity ot Heart, in order to the Performance there¬
of; fame being induced thereto by Example, fome by fear,
and not a few by Principles of Policy, following their own
carnal and corrupt Ends.

8. Art. The following the Work of God, and purfuing
'the Ends of the Covenant not in a Spiritual holy Way, get¬
ting the Lord always before our Eyes, and acknowledg¬
ing him in all our Paths; but in a carnal publick Way*
abufing God’s Intereft for cur own Intcreft and Ends, as
if it had been the Work of Men, and not the Work of
God, which made us walk more in the Connfels of our
own Hearts then in the Counfel of God, and to truft more
in the Arm ofFlefb, than in the Arm of the Lord.

9. Art BackHiding and Defection from the Covenant,
and from our folemn Vows and • Engagements,- the Guilt
■whereof is exceedingly herghtned by the aggravating Cir¬
ca mflances of our renewed Oaths, atid of the Lord’s Mer¬
cies and Engagements, and of our frequent Relapfes into
the fame Sins, whereot we once feeme:l to fcave repented,
and which we condemned in others: Of this Defection
there be thefe fpecial Heads and Steps.

B 2 3. Step.

y

,r

( 12 ) ^

j, Step , A foul falling from that honefty of Heart, 1L
Purity of Oonverfatior., and from the bingleneis and Int^L
grity ot Heart, and from the Fervency and Zeal for Godij
that appealed to be in many at the firld Entry to the Cove-1
nani, aad declining into loofe walking, and vSelf-intereft,
and Neutrality and Indifferency, from which have iffued
many iad Confequences. especially the great Scandal and \
^tumbling of many godly in the Land, at us and theWork
of God in our Hand.

2. Step, f he iitting up of many Profeffors in the Land 1
under tfteGofpei. and becoming formal and remifs, not
entei taming lendernefs, fpiritual Life and Soberr.efs of
Mind, which as it hath been amongft the provoking ' 1
Caufesof the Lord’s Wrath, and hath rendered- fomc ob¬
noxious to Snares on both Hands, fo may it fif it be not 1
mourned for aud amended) draw on more Wrath, and
expofe to the Hazard o': Error and Diiaffettion to the
Work of God. * ' ' ' '

i, Step. The fecret falling off of fome, and open falling
awavof nany unto the oppoftte Party, after their entering j
j G tenant, efpecially that Defection carried on by Janies
G afram and his Party, and that which was afterward car-
v ' on by the Authors and Abettors of the unlawfuPEn-
gigement 164 3.

4. Step.' The neglecting, obflru&ing, and condemning,
th purging of the judicatories and Army 1649* anu after¬
ward. from fcandalous and difaffe&ed Men; and of the
conftituting the fame of Men of known Integrity and Af*
feetion to theCaufe.and of a Blamelefs and Chriflian
Converfation, notwithflanding of the folemn publick
Confeflipn of theft Sins, and engaging unto thefe Duties a
little before that Time.

■ 5. 'Step. The authorizing of Commifiioners to clofe a
Treaty with the King, for the invefting him with the Go¬
vernment, upon his fubferibing fuch Demands -as were fent
to him, after he had given many clear Evidences of his
Difaffeblion and Enmity to the Work and People of God,
and Was continuing in the fame : And the admitting of
Slim o the full Exercifeof his Power, and crowning him,
fcet withstanding of new Difcoycries of his adhering to his
JW-.t ■ ' • former

f . . ( 13 )

r Principles and Way, and of many Warnings to ths
rary.

‘6. Step. The rejecting of Difcoveries of Guiltincfs an#
aufes 01 the Lord’s contending with us, and of oui Duty
rn Reference thereto; fuch astheCaufe ot Humiliation of¬
fered by the Commiflion of the General Aflembly, to the
Committee of Eftates at Leitk, before the Defeat at Dumbar :
The Caufes of Humiliation condcfcended on at Stirling
immediately after the Defeat at Dumbar : The Remon-
ftrarace of the Gentlemen, Minifters and Forces in the Weft,
and many other Teftimonics of Prcsbyteiies and Syno'&fc
together,- neglecting the Means tending to Peace, and xti
the preventing the Effufion of more Blood ; from Prick;
and Bitternels of Spirit againft thofe who had _ in¬

vaded us.

7. Step, The publick RcfolutionsofKirk and State, for
bringing in the malignant Party, firft to the Army, and
then to the Judicatories, and to the aftual intrufting of
them with the Power of the Kingdom, both Military and
Civil, whereby the State of our Caufe is not only turned
up-fide down, by fubordinating the Inteneft of God to the
InterCft ofMen; but the Worh and People of God have
been entrufted to the Enemies thereof.

8. Step. The joyning of many engaged in the Covenant
and Caufe of God, in Arms with the Forces of the King¬
dom, after that by the publick Refolutions, there was a
prevailing Party of Malignants brought into the Army-,
who had the Sway ofCounfels and A&iags therein, and.
were carrying bn a malignant Intereft.

9. Step. The pre-limiting and corrupting of the General
Aflembly, in regard of the free, lawful and right Confti-
tution thereof, excluding fuch as were faithful and con-
Rant in theOufe, and making it up, for the moft Part,
of thofe who had been aCtivc and inftrumental in carrying
bn a Caurfe of Defection, or were confcnting thereto
whereby it came to pafs that that Meeting did ratilie and
approve the Defection itfelf, and did not only centure fun-
dry for prftefting againft them, but alfo laid a Founda¬
tion for ccnfuring all fuch Miniftcrs, and for keeping all
fuch oat of the Mini ft ry who did not approve of their Con-

. > ftitutios,

h)

( 14 )

ffitution and A&s, and did iffue Warnings and Dec1
lions reflc&ing exceedingly upon, and contradi&ing
condemning former pious and warrantable Proceedin
and the Inltruments thereof.

10. Art. Deep Security, Impenitency, Obflinacy and
Incorrigiblenefs under all thefe, and under all the dread¬
ful Str oaks of God, and Tokens of his Indignation a-
gainft us, becaufe of the fame, fo that whilft he continues
to fmite, we are 10 far from humbling our felves, and
turning to him, that we wax worfe and worfe, and fin
more and more.

X

at

A Humble

1 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

[•

i . O F T H E

, S I N S

O F T H E

MINISTRY

* % « ■ , * , ♦ _ . fc yi \ - ■ . • -

O F

SCOTLAND.

I '• , ' J

-t

- T H £

EFAGE-

a Ltho ugh w e art not "ignorant, that Mockers of all Sort
'£*' may take Che af on by this Acknowledgment of the Sins og
Pdinifers, to frengthen themfelves in their Prejudices at ow
gc.rfons and Catlings, and turn this unto our Reproach, ant
that fame may mifconflrue our Meaning therein , as if zve dial j
thereby intend to render the Min-ifiry of this Church life ana 1
Contemptible, which is far from our Thoughts -, We knowing '
(tfld being perf waded in our felves , that there are many able, ^
godly and faithful Mittiflers in the Land ; yet being convinced
that toe are ailed to humble qur felves, and to juflifie the j
jg,9>ri in all the Contempt that he hath poured upon us: That
they who Jhill know our Sins, may not fumble at our judg¬
ments: Wfc have thought it our Duty to publjh this fallout -
Dfcovcry and Acknowledgment of the Corruptions and
Sins of Miniiicrs , Tnot it may appear how deep our Hand is j
in the Ttprjfgr effort, and that the Mini fltrs of Scotland have .
no /mail Acceffion to the drawing on of thefe judgments that
ore upon tne Land,

Only in this following Acknowledgment we defire it may be j
Canjidered, That there are here enumerated fume Sins, whereof '
there be but fume few Mtniftrs gui-ty, and others whereof
mot are guilty, and not a few which are the Sins of theft
Whom the Lor J hath keeped from the more grefs Corruptions
herein mentioned ; And that it is not to be wondtred at, if the
Minifry of Scotlanrl be yet in a great Meafure unpurged, con -
f dering that there zvas fo wide a Door opened for the entering
of corrupt Perfons into the Miniflry, for the /pace of above
tie rt) Tears under the Tyranny of Prelates, and that alfo there
hatli btenfo many Diver ft on s from, and Interruptions of En¬
deavours to have a purged Miniflry lit this Lar.i^

THE

O F

SC 0 T L A N V.

i ”■ ' ■ Vt5-'

Firji, Such as are before their Entry to the Minifry.

Ightnefs and Prophanity in Conversation,
nnfuitable to that holy Calling which they
did intend, not throughly repented of.

2. Corrupt Education of force in the

- Prelatica! and Arrcinian Way, whereby

heir Corruptions and Errors were drunken in, and Abi-
ities ircproven, for ftrengthening and promoving the
ime, not repented of.

3. Not ftudying to be in Chrifl, before they be in the
ySiniftry; cor to have the pra£iicaH£r,owledge and Ex-

C pericnte

( 18 )

perience of the Myftery of the Gofpel in themfclvei,1
tore they preach it to oihcrs.

4. Neglecting to fit thcmfelves for the Work of the
niftry in not improving Prayer and Fellowthip wit
God, Education at Schools and Opportunities of a lively
Miniftry, and other Means, and not mourning for thefc;
N'egleCts.

5. Not fiudying Self-denial, nor refolving to take up
the Crofs of Chrift.

6. Negligence to entertain Sight and Senfe of Sin and
Mifery, not wreftling againft Corruption, nor fiudying
of Mortification and SubduednefsofSpirit.

Secondly , In enuring.

i. /^SArnal, corrupt and crooked Ways for entering to
the Miniftry, fuch as bribing in the Time of Pre¬
lacy, Soliciation ofFriendsand the like; whereby many
have not entered by the Door, but did climb up another
Way.

2. Entering to the Miniftry by an implicite, execrable
Canonical Oath and Subfcription given to the Prelates foi
acknowledging them, and advancing their Corruption!
introduced and to be introduced.

3. Entering to the Miniftry without Trials, and receiv¬
ing Ordination either from the Prelate, or by a Recommen¬
dation from him to the Presbytry, and fometimes with
outer againft the Mind of the Piesbytry.

4. Entering cither only by Prefentations, or by pur
chafed Supplications from the Plurality 6f the Parifhoners
without or againft the Confent of the Godly in the Parilh

5. Entering to the Miniftry without refpe£t to a Com
million from Jefus Chrift, by which it hath come to £afi
that many have run unfent.

6 Entering to the Minftry not from the Love of Chrift
nor from a Delire to honour God in gaining of Souls, bu
tor By-ends^ for a Name, and for Livclyhood in tb
World, notwithftanding folemn Declaiation to the con
trary at Admillion.

7 Some offering themfelves to Trial without Abilitie:
and ftudying. to conceal and hide their Weakness, b

\ ‘ makin

■

( T9 ; :

Ang ufe of the Help and Pains of fome Friend and Ac-
^ntance, or other Men’s Papers, in federal Parts of the
/rial ; and fome authorized to preach, and others admit-
d to the Miniftry, who have little or no Ability for per-
orming the Duties thereof.

8. Too much weighed with Inclination to be called to
the Miniftry in a Place where we have carnal Relation.

• Thirdly , After entering, which isfirji in their private Condi -

tion and Converfation.

j. TGnorance of God, want of Nearnefs with hmi, and ta-

A king up iktie of God in reading, meditating, and
fpeaking of him.

2t Exceeding great Sclfilhnefs in all that we do, afting
from our fclves, for our felves.

3. Not caring how unfaithful and negligent others were,
fo being it might contribute a Testimony to our Faithful-

S nefs and Diligence : But being rather content, it not re-
1 joycing at their Fault.

4. Leaft Delight in thefe Things wherein lycth our
neareft Communion with God, great Inconftancy in cur
Walk with God, and Neglect of acknowledging of him
in all our Ways.

5. In going about Duties, leaft careful of thefe which
are mofl remote from the Eyes of Men.

6 Seldom in fecret Prayer with God, except to fit for
publick Performances, and even that much negieded, or
gone about very fuperficially.

7. Glad to find Excufesior theNegled of Duties.

3. Neglecting the reading of Scriptures in Secret, for
edifying our fclves as Chriftians, only reading them in fo
far as may fit us for our Duty as Minifters, and oft-times
neglecting that.

9. Not given to relied upon our own Ways, nor fu Ber¬
ing Convidion te have a through Wo»k upon us, deceiv¬
ing our felves by retting upon Abftinence from, and Ab-
fcorcncy of Evils, from the Light of a natural Confcience,
and looking upon the fame as an Evidence of a real
Change.

C 2

/

10. Evil

C 20 )

10. Evil guarding of, and watching over the

and ^arlefnefs in fclf-fcarching, which makes much
acquaimednefs with our fdvcs, and Eftrangednefs froi»
Gad. ■,

11. Not guarding nor wreftling againft fcen and known
Ills, efpeciaily our Predominants.

12. A facility to be drawn away with the Tempta¬
tions of the Time, and other particular Temptations, ac¬
cording to our Inclinations and Fellowfhip.

1 3. inftabiiity and wavering in the Ways of God
through the Fears of Perfection, Hazard, or Lofs of E-
fteem, and declining Duties, becanfc of the Fear of Jea-
lpufi.cs and Reproaches.

14. Not efteeming the Crofs of Chrift and Sufferings
for his Name honourable, but rather ihifting Sufferings
from Self-love;

15. Deadnefs of Spirit after all the fore Stroaks of God

upon the Land. ^

16. Little Confidence made of fecret Humiliation and
Faffing by ©ur (elves apart, and in our Families.; that
we might mourn for our own and the Land’s Guiltinefs
and great Backflidings, and little applying the Caufes of'
publick Humiliation to our own Hearts.

17. Finding of our own Pleafures, when the Lord calls
for Humiliation.

iff. Not laying to Heart the fad and heavy Sufferings
of the People of God abroad, and the not thriving of the
Kingdom of Jefus Chrift, and the Power of Godlinefs a-
mong them.

19. Refined Hypocrific, defiring to appear what in¬
deed we are not.

20. Studying more to learn the Language of God’s Peo¬
ple nor their Exercife. s.

f 1. Artificial confe/fmg of Sin without Repentance,
profiling to declare Iniquity, and not refolving to be for-
lry for Sin.

22. Confefiion in fccret much flighted, even of thefe
Things whereof we are convinced.

( 21 )

/No Reformation after folemn Acknowledgments and
/ate Vows, thinking our felves exonered after Confcf-

fa.

r24. Readier to fearch out and cenfure Faults in others,
a nan to lee or take with them in our l'elves.

2$. Accounting of our Eftate and Way according to

• he Eftimation that others have of us.

■ 26. EftimationofMenas they agree with, or difagree

rom us.

! 27. Not fearing to meet with Trials, but prefuming in

• mr own Strength to go through them unfhaken.

28. Not learning to fear by the Falls of gracious Men,
lor mourning and praying for them.

» 29. Not observing particular Deliverances and Rods,

i aor improving of them for the Honour of God, and Edi¬
fication of our felves and others.

30. Little or no mourning for the Corruption of our Na-
t and lefs groaning under, and longing to be deliver¬
'd from that Body of Death, the bitter Root of ail our o-
:her Evils. 1

secondly, In our Converfatlon and Walk with, and before t%eje
of our Flocks and others.
i* TT'Ruitlefs converting ordinarily with others for the
V worfe rather than for the better.

2. Foolifh jefting away Time with impertinent and ufe-
lefs Difcourfe, very unfeeming the Minifters of the Gof-
pel.

3. Spiritual Purpofes often dying in our Hands, when
they are begun by others.

4* Carnal Familiarity with natural wicked and malig¬
nant Men ; whereby they are hardened, the People of
God (tumbled, and we our felves blunted.

5- Slighting FellowOiip with thefeby whom we might

profit. ~ •

6. Defiring more to converfe with thefe that might bet¬
ter us by (heir Parts, than fuch as might edifie us by their
Graces.

7. Not Itudying Opportunities of doing Good to ti¬
mers. '

8, Shift

( 12 )

*. Shifting of Prayer and other Duties when ^
thereto, choling rather to omit the fame, than we

be put to them our (elves. . W

9, Abufmg of Time in frequent Pvecreation and Paftimc*

and loving our Pleafures more than God. ^

10. Taking little or no Time to Chriftian Difcourfe

with young Men trained up for the Miniftry. (

n. Common and ordinary Dilcourfe on theLord’s Day.

12.. Slighting Chriftian Admonition from any of our [
Flocks, or others as being below us, and alhamed to take .
Light andWarning from pi ivateChriftians. j

13. Diftike of, or Bitternefs againft fuch as deal freely
with us by Admonition or Reproof, and not dealing faith- :
fully with others who would welcome it off our Hands. .

14. Not making Confcience to take Pains on the igno- ;
rant and prophane for their Good.

15. Our not mourning for the Ignorance, Unbelief, and ]
Mifcarriages of the Flocks committed unto us.

16. Impatient bearing of the Infirmities of others, rafhly !
breaking out againft their Perfoni, more then ltudying
to gain them from their Sins.

j7. jq0t uftug Freedom with thefe of our Charge, and
for moft part (“pending our Time with them in common
Difcourfes, not tending to Edification.

1 3 Negletting Admonition to Friends and others in
an evil Courfe.

ip. Refervednefs in laying out oar Condition to others.

20. Not pFaying for Men of a contrary Judgment, but
ufing Refervednefs and Diftance from them, being more
ready to fpeak of them than to them, or to God for them.

2 1 . Not weighed with the Fallings and Mifcarriages
of others, bat rather taking Advantage thereof for juftify-
ing our felves.

22. Talking of, and fporting at the Faults of others,

rather than compaffionating of them. #

23. No Pains taken in religious ordering of our Fami¬

lies, norftudying to be Paterns to other Families in the
Government of ours. _

24 Hafty Anger and Pa&on in our F amilies and Con-
^erfation with others.

25. Co*

, ' ( 23 )

/ Covetoufnefs, worldly Mindcdnefs, and an inor*

,ate Defire after the Things of this Life, upon which
/loweth a Negleft ot the Duties of our Calling, and our
/ing taken up for the moft part with the Things of the
iVorld. .

26. Want of Hofpitality and Charity to the Members of
thrift.

27. Not cherifhing Godlinefs in the People, and fame
being afraid of it, and hating the People of God for Piety,
and liudying to bear down and quench the Work of the
Spirit amongft them.

"Thirdly , In the. Difchargt of Ministerial Duties. Which is
jirft in regard of labouring in the Word and Doilrine.

I, jv T Ot entertaining that Edge of Spirit in Minifleria!

i\j Duties, whicn we found at the firft Entry to the
Ministry.

2. Great negleft of reading and other Preparation, or
Preparation meerly literal and bookifh, making an Idol
of a Book, which hindereth Communion with God, or
prefuming on bygone Afiiflance, and praying little.

3. Trufling to Gifts, Parts and Pains taken for Prepa¬
ration, whereby God is provoked, to blafle good Matter
well ordered and worded.

4 Carclefs in imploying Chrifl, and drawing Vertuc
out of him for enabling us to preach in the Spirit and in
Power,

5 In Prayer for Afiiflance, we pray more for Afiiflance
to the Meffenger than to the Meffage which we carry,
not caring what become of the Word, if we be with fome
Meafure of Afiiflance carried on in the Duty.

6 The Matter we bring forth is not ferioufly recom¬
mended to God by Prayer to be quickened to his People.

7. Negleft of Prayer after the Word is preached, that it
may receive the firfl and latter Rain; and that the Lord
would put in the Hearts of his People what we fpeak to
them in his Name.

8. Neglect to warn in Preaching of Snares, and Sin in
publick Affairs by fome, and too much frequent and un-

31«“

f ( *4 )

neceffary fpeaking by ethers of publick BuiinefsJJfc
Tranfactions.

9. Exceeding great Negleft and Unskilfulncfs to m
forth the Excellencies and Ufefulnefs of Jefus Chrift, aiS
ihe New Covenant,which ought to be the great Subject 0^“
a Minifters fludy and preaching.

10. Speaking of Chrift more by Hear-fay than from
Knowledge and Experience, or ally real lmpreflion of
fcim upon the Heart.

11. The way ofrnoft Minifters preaching too legal.

12. Want of Sobriety in preaching the Gofpcl, not fa¬
vouring any Thing but what is new, fo that the Substan¬
tial* of Religion bear but little Balk,

13. Not Preaching Chrift in the Simplicity of the Gof-
pel, nor our helves the Peoples Servants for Chrift’s Sake.

14. Preaching of Chrift not that the People may know
him, but that they may think we know much of him.

15. Preaching anent Chrift’s leaving the Land without
Brokenefs of Heart, or up-ftirring of our felves to take
hold of him.

16. Not Preaching with Bowels of Companion to them
who are inHazard toperifti.

17. Preaching againft publick Sins, neither in fuch a
Way nor for fuch an End as we ought for the gaining of
Souls, and drawing Men out of their Sins, but rather be¬
cause it is of our Concernment to fay fomething of thefe
Evils.

18. Bitternefs inftead of Zeal, in fpeaking againft Ma-
lignants, Sectaries, and other fcandalous Perfons, and Un-
faithfulnefs therein.

19. Notftudyingto know the particular Condition of
the Souls of the People, that we may fpeak to them accor¬
dingly, nor keeping a particular Record thereof, though
convinced of the Ufefulnefs of this.

20. Not wealing what may be moft profitable and edi¬
fying, and want of Wifdom in Application to the feveral
Conditions of Souls, notfo careful to bring home the Point
by Application as to find out the Doftritw, nor fpeaking
the fame with that Reverence which becomes his Word and
Meffage.

21, ChoQf-

s

A Choofing Texts whereon we have fomet'hing to lay
£er than fating to the Condition ct Souls and Times,
ia frequent preaching of the fame Things that wc may
it be put to tfte Fains of new Study.

22. Such away of Reading, F reaching and Prayer as
puts us in thefe Duties further from Cod.

2 3 Too foon fatisfied in theDifcharge cf Dufies, and
holding off Challenges withExcufes.

24. Indulging the Body, ar.d waiting much Time idlely.

25r 'loo much eying our own credit and Appiaufc,
and being taken with it, when we get it. and unlatisfied
when it is wanting.

26. Timoroufnefs in delivering God’s Meffage, letting
Feoplc die in reigning Sins without Warning.

27. Voguinefs and Pride of Heart, becaufe the Lord
fulfilled oui Word in the Year 1648.

28. Ralh fpcakingin the JNamc of the Lord in B.efe-
rence to the Succefs of our Armies of late.

29. Studying the Dilcharge of Duties, 1 ather to free our
felvcs from Cenfure, than to approve our feives to God.

30. Shifting to preach in Places where we were for the
Time for Fear of difpleafing, in this Time of publick
Baekfliding and Trial.

31. Not making all theCounfel of God known to his
People, and particularly not giving Tdtimony in Times
ofDefeftion.

32. Notltudying to Profit by our own Do&rine, nor
the Do&rine of others.

33. For moft part Preaching, as we our felres were
not concerned in the Meffage we carry to the People.

34- Not rejoycing at the Converfion of Sinners^ but
content with the unthriving of the Lord’s Work amongft
his People as fasting beft with our Minds, fearing if ti ey
fhould thrive better, we Ihould be more put to itv and lefs
tfteemed of by them.

35. Many in Preaching and Praftice, bearing down
the Power of Godlinefs.

36. UnfaithfulDifcharge of Minifierial Duties in attend¬
ing the Armies.

37. We Preach cot as before God, but as to Men, as

D doth

( 26 )

doth appear by the different Pain* in our Preparation^
(peak to our ordinary Hearers, and to others to whom
would approve oar felves.

38. Not making the Miniftry a Work In earneft as a
Thing to be accounted for in every Duty, which makes
much Lazincfs and Unfruitfulnefs, doing Duties ex officio,
note* confaentia officii > rather to difeharge our Calling nor
our Confcience.

Secondly , In the AiminUlration of Sacrament /•

I. In Baptifm,

Little minding in cur felves, or jftirring up of others to
mind the Obligation that lyson us and them, by the
Covenant made with God in Baptifm.

2. Not inftru&ing Parents in their Duty, not charging
them with their Promife given at the baptizing of their .
Children, nor trying what Pains they have taken to per¬
form the lame.

3 , Being very fuperikial and formal in the Adminiflra-
tion of this Ordinance.

Third 'y. In the A dminiji ration of ike Lori's Supper,

A Dmittiog of mixt Multitudes to the Lord’s Table, not,
XV feparatmg betwixt the precious and the vile.

2. Unequal dealing with poor and rich, in admitting
to, or fufpending and debarring from the Lord’s Table.

3. Great Neglect to prepare for that Action, preparing
for it more as Minifies, than as Chriftians-

4. Carnal and unworthy Carriage of Minificrs at the
Communion, being more delirous to have that Action by
our Hands, with Credit to our felves, than with Prefit to
the People.

5. Thinking when that Action is by hand, that we have
a Vv cv from other minilterial Duties for a Time.

6 . title wrefiling with God to have the People prepar¬
ed tor it, or the Guilt of prophaning of it by our felves
and ©tilers taken away.

'Fourthly,

( *7 )

/ Fourthly, In V\ftung»

,/Egligenl, lazy and partial vifiting tie Sick ,• if they

/N be poor, we go once, and only when fent for ; if
ley be rich and of better Note, we go oftner, and unfent
tor.

2. Not knowing how to fpeak with the Tongue of the
Leai ned, a Word in Seafon to the weary and exerciied
in Conscience, nor to fuch as are under the Lofs of Hus¬
band, Wife, Children, Friends or Goods, for the improv¬
ing of thefe Trials to their fpirituai Advantage, nor to dy¬
ing Pcrfons.

3. In vifiting, wearying, or fhunning to go to fuch as
we efteem gracelefs.

4 Not vifiting the People from Moufc to Houfe, nor
praying with them at fit Opportunities.

4. Jh Catechifing.

1. T Azie and negligent in Catechifing-'

A_j 2. Not preparing our Hearts before, nor wreftlifig
with God for a Blefiing to it, bccaufe of Ihc Ordinarinefs,
and apprehended Eafinefs of it ; whereby the Lord’s Name
is much taken in vain, and the People little profited.

3- Looking on thatExercife as a Work below us, and
notcondefcendingtcftudyarighPand profitable Way of
'inflru&ing the Lord's People-

4. Partial in Catechifing, palling by thefe that are rich
and of better Quality, though many of fuchfiand ordina¬
rily in great Need of Inftruftion.

5- Not waiting upon, and following the ignorant, but
paflionately upbraiding of them often-

‘ f t

J -* ' * — * t • r •, » 'V*

5. In Ruling and Difcipline,

1. TVjOf making ufe of this Ordinance of Church-cen-
fures for gaining of Souls, but turning it in a mcer
civil Punifhment; and in the Adminifiration thereof be¬
coming either coldrife, or without a Spirit of Meeknefe,
and ufing a Way either meerly rational by worldly Wif-
dom, or meerly authoritative, more than by Motives
drawn from the Love of Chrift; and by our Carriage in

D 2 Juttr

( t8 )

Judicatories putting a human Shape upon the Ordi]
of Jet us Chrift, carrying our felves in too lately a
like Ui e Men of this World.

2. Partiality in Ad mini Oration ofCenfures with refp^j
of Per Ion , not ufing the like faithful Freedom towar
hign and low, fib and frem’d.

3 Rath taking on us to open and lliut Chrift’s Door.

4 By our Pradice, teaching (as it were) Formality in
R. pentanccto Offenders, hardening them in their Sins*
by accepting bare Forms without any Evidence ot Repen¬
tance, and looting when we weie peitwaded Chrift did
n t loole: And of la!e turning Protcdion of Repentance
into a State engine for Men to Rep unto Preferment and
puMick Employments.

$. Following icandalouc Perfons with the higheft Cen-
fu.es of the Kirk, with little or no Case to hold them up
fo God.

6 Want of GompafHon to thefe on whom Difcipline is
exerciied. n >t labouring to convince them of Sin, but im-
perioufly and with Pafeon inflead of Zeal threatning them,
the iking it fufficient if we be obeyed, though they be not
gained to Chrilt

7. Superficial, finful, and flight ccnfuring one another,
atTiuies appointed for that end in Pi esbytwies and Synods,
and negitd of faithful Freedom and Love in performing

that Duty. ^

S. AdmittingofMentotheMiniffrywhowerenotqua-
lifi-d with Gtace as well as Gifts notwithffanding the
Word of God, and Constitutions of this Kiik do require
the one, as well as the other; which hath been the Foun* ;
tain of many Evils.

9. Great Unfaithfulnefs in bringing in, and holding in,
Un woi thy Perfons in theMiniftry, and keeping Cenfures
off unfaithful Men.

iu. Unfaithfulnefs in giving Testimonials and Recom¬
mendations. and receiving Perfons upon Tcftimonials
uirerly negative, efpecially Expedants and Students of
Divinity,

1 1 Conftituting Eiderfhips of fnch Men as are known
fobs ignorant, prophane and difaffcded to the Work of

God,

/ ( 29 ) • r

.and being carelefs to have them confining of the
ibie and godly Men within the Congregation, a great
/fe of much Ignorance, prophane and fcandalous Car-
Igc among the People.

*12. Negle&ingto remove from the Eldcrfhips fuch as
/ire ignorant and fcandalous.

13. Neglecting to hold out the neceftary Qualifications
and Duties of ruling Elders, and to ftir them up to their
Duty.

14. Not carrying our felvcs in Judicatories in other
Ways toward ruling Elders as towards Brethren, and
joint Overfeers in the Work of the Lord.

j 5. Not making Conference of keeping Kirk Judicato-
. ries, but wearying of the Expences and Attendance, where¬
by direr (e Things hath been hafter’d and miicarried :
willing deferting of them, and fhunning to 'give Tefii-
niony in them, for fear oflnconveniencies.

.■ 16. Not ftouping to a gaining Way in Debates, nor

making Application to God for Knowledge of his Mind
in Things debated, before they pals in a Conclusion.

17. Wearying to hear Men fully who reprefent their
Doubts, and to weigh all the Arguments that can be re¬
presented for the negative, before the affirmative be con¬
cluded.

18. Too great Animofities in Judicatories, even about
Matters of faull Weight.

19. Pride, Impatience and Peremptorinefs of Spirit,
not flaying on others Clearnefs in our Debates and Con¬
clusions, through which it comes to pafs that we judge
rafhly of precious Men ; and Alienation of Affections
fleals in and is entertained.

20. Hafty concluding of A Cfs, and preffing Obedience
thereto without convincing Grounds holden forth from
Scripture for fatisfying the Gonfciences of the Lord’s
People.

21. Silence in Affemblies when unfatisfted, being car¬
ried by the Authority of Men, and too much following
other Men’s Light, and fiipprcffing their own-

22. Making Votes fubfervient to the Humours of Men
and humsn Intereffs.

23. Some

23. Some altogether negle&ing whoirome^^^j
Conftitutions of Affcmblics, and others receivin^Va.
A£ts too implicitly. . ' v*

24- Too bitter Exprefiions againft Adverfaries in
lick Papers and Sermons, for elhewing Reproaci|S
whereof there is no Fruit, but Irritation.

25. Abufing Tranfportations by making them too fre^
quent, and almoft the ordinary Way of planting Places ol
any Eminency; fometimes enabling them when there is no
preffing Neceflity, and without tender endeavouring the
Satisfaction of the People intcrefted, and without Care of
providing them thereafter.

In Relation to the Ruhlich.

convince Gainfayers of the Truth.

2. Not fearing to meddle in Matters too high for us,
and defiring to be taken notice of, more than to be fted-
abk in the Publick.

3 Following of publick Bufinefs, with too much ne-
gleft of our Flocks.

4. Following of publick Bufinefs with much Pride and
Paffion, and Loftinefs of Spirit upon carnal Principles, and
Defire to be eftcemed of, rather than true Zeal to Jefus
Chrifl and his Matters, and with little or no Prayer.

$. Superficial admitting of all to the Covenants, and fo-
femn Acknowledgment, without taking fufficient Pains to
snftraft and inform them in the Knowledge of the Things
contained therein.

6. Being too inftrumentaf for bringing difaffe^i Perfons
toTruft.

7. Unequal Zeal againft Enemies, cooling in our Zeal
againft one Enemy as it is encreaft againft another.

? 8. Much repining at the Judgments of God upon the
Land from carnal Refpetts, and transferring the Caufes
of the Wrath off our felves upon others.

9. Too eafie fatisfied in fuch Things as might tend to
the Prejudice of Chrift’s Intereft, weighing the Confc-

quenecs

( 3* >

of grelt R evolutions more by Rcfpcft to our
than to his Honour.

Agreeing to icceive the Kingto the Covenant bare*
^ upon writing, without any apparent Evidences of a
eal Change of Principles.

ii. Hot uling Freedom in (hewing what we were con-
1 vinced. was finful in Reference to the late Treaty with

1 the King; but going on therein when we were not Satisfied
in our Confcienccs for Fear of Reproach, and of being mi-
faken.

12. Silence inPublick, and not giving Teflimony af¬
ter a Difcpvery of the King’s Commiftion given to Jam**
Graham ; for invading the Kingdom.

13. Preifing the King to make a Declaration to the
World, whilft we knew by clear Evidences that he had
;<io real Convi&ion of the Things contained therein.

14. Too much defiring to luik upon By-ends, when

called to give a Teftimony. _/ • r ,

15. Not bearing Teftimony againft Publick Dcfeftion*
i n a right and fpiritual Way.

16. Unfaithfolncfs in bearing Burden with them, whom
he Lord raifed up to be his Witneftes againft the publick
Backflidings; omitting to bear Teftimony our felvcs upon
carnal Refpefts and Lukewarmncfs in adhering to publick
Teftimoniei formerly given.

$

A

rr,He foregoing Caufes of God’s Wrath being on federal
Days or loicmn Humiliation laid out and confeffed
before the Lord, we thought lit to lubjoin here fome other
Caufesof our late Humiliation ; as

i. The late declining of the Land by confenting and
engaging unto thepubiick Actings of the prefect bovvers,
fo contrary to the Covenants, and fo pruch prejudicial to
Religion and Liberties.

2,. The Defection of diverfe, who are accounted reli¬
gious, from their former Principles, unto Separation, and
other Errors of the Time,

3. The Ufurpation and' Carriage of the prefent pre¬
tended Affembly;

4. The Engljh their great Encroachments upon the Li¬
berties of this Church.

5. That the promifed Converfion of his ancient People
of the jfsuv may be haftened.

6. That the Lord may make our prefent Refoiutions
for reforming our felves, our Elderfhips and People ef¬
fectual; and may blefs our Endeayours to thisPurpoie.